Posts made in June, 2017

Trucks, also called big rigs or 18-wheelers, definitely provide a major contribution in the U.S. economic growth. By delivering goods intact and on time, businesses are able to maintain operations, keeping the economy alive.

Getting a job done, however, can take a toll on a truck driver since most jobs normally require cross-county deliveries, which also usually means about 11 hours behind the wheel. Thus, many truck drivers suffer exhaustion and fatigue, making driving a totally risky task.

Various federal agencies work together in keeping U.S. roads and highways safe from accidents involving trucks. This is because besides the possible detrimental effects a truck accident can have on the business firm which contracted its service, the damage to property and injury to victim can definitely be major and severe, respectively. Some of these agencies are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) the primary mission of which is to improve safety in the operations of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). The rules enforced by the CMV to attain this ‘safety’ mission, include:

requiring drivers to undergo a special training which will develop in them the special skills required in operating a truck safely, as well as pass a test prepared by the (FHWA) – these serve as the basic requirements in earning a commercial driver’s license;

enforcement of the maximum hours of service rule which will allow drivers to drive no more than 11 hours straight. This rule also mandates that drivers should be given 10 consecutive off-duty hours after their 14-hour duty;

requiring trucking firms to keep a record which will show regular schedule of truck check and maintenance;

requiring drivers to thoroughly check their truck’s brake shoes to make sure that these are in good condition; drivers also need to make sure that there are no air leaks in the brake chamber; and,

requiring truck parts manufacturers to produce only quality parts or parts that comply with minimum standards enforced by the government.

Negligence on the part of truckers in observing these mandates does not only mean violation of federal rules. The worst effect of ignoring what these rules require is a road tragedy that can cause severe injuries or the loss of lives.

An article posted at www.crowemulvey.com/practice-areas/personal-injury/, says that any automobile accident has the potential to cause devastating injuries, significant property damage, and lasting emotional trauma for anyone involved. However, when accidents occur between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks, like 18-wheelers, the effects are likely to be significantly worse. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles almost guarantees that any collision between a truck and another vehicle is serious, and sadly, it is often the drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles who suffer the most in these accidents.

Like any motor vehicle accident, large truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, and as such, many accident victims are unsure who is ultimately responsible for the accident that caused them harm. Depending on the details of an accident caused by a large truck, it is possible for responsibility to rest with:

The truck driver

The trucking company that hired, trained, and employed the driver

The company responsible for maintaining the truck

An auto manufacturer / parts manufacturer

Personal injury lawyers know all too well how much innocent motorists can suffer because of accidents involving large trucks. Frequently, victims of these accidents are left suffering from ongoing pain and suffering, significant medical bills resulting from their treatment, and enduring emotional trauma. Fortunately, however, legal action can be taken against those responsible for causing these accidents, which may be able to help victims secure the financial compensation and closure they need.